Title: A Storm of Swords
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire
Author: George R. R. Martin
Publisher: Spectra; (March 4th, 2003)
Paperback: 1216 pages (Paperback)
ISBN: 055357342X

This is the 3rd installment of the epic saga Songs of Ice and Fire. It is also my favorite out of the three books that I’ve read so far. The storyline has thickened, the plots have become more complex, and Martin keeps killing off everyone! Your jaw falls to the floor when you finally realize what just had happened. Words cannot express how I felt when I read this book. In the back of my head always lingered the question, “Can he really do that? Did he really do that? I cant believe he did that!”The pace of the book was a bit slow in the beginning, but by the 2nd half, the storyline becomes so relentless, you cant put the book down.

This book is Martin’s finest work thus far. I cant wait to get my hands of a copy of A Feast of Crows. Being a Wheel of Time fan, I will finally admit that this series has completely surpassed Jordan’s work. Its on an entirely different level. If you have not read these books yet, you are truly missing out.

Current Character Favorites: Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and surprise, Jaime Lannister.

Title: A Clash of Kings
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire
Author: George R. R. Martin
Publisher: Spectra; Reissue edition (September 5, 2000)
Paperback: 1040 pages
ISBN: 0553579908

I just finished with the 2nd book of the series A Song of Ice and Fire. Im really enjoying it so far. The plot thickens in this book with the Seven Kingdoms splitting into sections ruled by “Self-Proclaimed” Kings. Each claiming that they have the lineage to the throne. Just as with the first book A Game of Thrones, what captivated me was Martin’s writing style. I actually found myself cheering for the most unlikely people and feeling heavy-hearted even for the characters I thought that were just plain sinful. Im just waiting for my roomate to finish up book three, A Storm of Swords. He actually read the first two books even before I started the series, but it seems that I’ve caught up quickly. LOL. I didn’t expect to get through both books in a month.

Current Character Favorites: Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Bran Stark

Title: A Game of Thrones
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire
Author: George R. R. Martin
Publisher: Spectra Reprint edition (August 4, 1997)
Hardcover: 864 pages
ISBN: 0553573403

Before I begin my review and personal thoughts on this book, I just wanted to mention that I still have alot of respect for my favorite authors. JRR Tolkien, Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, Robert Jordan, and even my first fantasy author C.S. Lewis. They created a huge new world within my mind, and even at the age of 27 I still enjoy good fantasy books. It really takes me out of this reality that we live in.

Now that my courtesies is out of the way, this is just a forewarning to everyone. This book is meant for mature audiences. It is filled with intrigue, mystery, humor, adventure, violence, sex, sex, violence, sex… okay you get the point! The Game of Thrones has totally climbed to the top of the totem pole in my mind as the best modern fantasy novel written so far. I’ve been blessed with a roomate that has purchased all three (that has been released) so I just started reading book 2 The Clash of Kings.

What captivated me was the realism in Martin’s work. The Game of Thrones has just an incredible cast of characters that pull you into the the world he created. This is a true character driven fantasy novel. However, be warned, no one is safe in these books. I’ve witnessed the death of many of my favorite characters and often asked myself “WHY!” It just draws you deeper into the plot. Its one of Martin’s greatest strengths.

The truth of the matter is there really is no true good or bad guys. Of course there are those who are more virtuous than others and those who are more wicked that you would like. Yet no matter what you think about them, both have a equal chance at death, tragedy, truimph, and glory. You’ll find yourself taking the sides of different factions depending on the situation, and desperately seeking answers to the most intriguing situations.

Even if you are not a fan of fantasy novels, I recommend that you pick this book up. This book has a totally different approach to what most people think of as fantasy. It is worth the look. I know I enjoyed it very much.

Current Character Favorites: Jon Snow and Arya Stark